It is time to dispel some of the most popular and dangerous first aid myths. Many of us have heard quick tips for first aid in emergencies that are now outdated, unsafe, or simply wrong. Relying on common first aid myths can waste time, impact proper care, could worsen injuries, or even put lives at risk. Ultimately, these myths do more harm than good. By knowing the facts versus myths about first aid, you can be better prepared.
Myth 1: Sucking Out Snake Bite Venom
Many people think you can suck venom from a snake bite, but this is one of the most harmful first aid myths. Venom spreads through your bloodstream within seconds of injection; by the time your mouth reaches the wound the venom is already circulating throughout the body. Worse, sucking out snake venom can actually introduce bacteria from your mouth into the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
What to do instead: Keep the bite below heart level to slow venom spread, stay calm to keep heart rate low, and apply a firm pressure bandage starting from the bite site up the limb. Remove jewellery before swelling begins and seek medical help immediately.
Myth 2: Breathing Into a Paper Bag for Hyperventilation
The old paper bag for hyperventilating is still a common first aid myth. People still believe that hyperventilation means someone has too much oxygen, and that breathing into a paper bag reduces their oxygen intake. In fact, this increases carbon dioxide to potentially dangerous levels which can make panic attacks much worse.
What to do instead: Use pursed-lip breathing or deep breaths to calm yourself. Call for help if hyperventilation lasts for more than 10 minutes, if the person has chest pain, feels faint, if their lips or fingers turn blue, if they can’t speak in full sentences, if this is their first episode, or if you don’t know the cause.
Myth 3: Tilting the Head Back During a Nosebleed
Television often shows people tilting their head back to stop a nosebleed, but this dangerous first aid myth can cause blood to flow down your throat and lead to choking or stomach irritation.
What to do instead: Lean forward and pinch the soft part of your nose below the bony bridge for at least 15 minutes to prevent blood from entering the airway.
Myth 4: Peeing on a Jellyfish Sting
One of the most infamous first aid myths is urinating on a jellyfish sting, but this actually makes things worse. Urine can trigger more venom release and worsen the pain.
What to do instead: Rinse the area with seawater (never use fresh water). Use vinegar or baking soda to deactivate stingers. Apply an ice pack or calamine lotion to soothe the skin.
Myth 5: Apply Butter on Burns
Some people still reach for butter when treating burns, believing it will soothe the pain and help healing. This widespread first aid myth is dangerous because butter traps heat and drives the burn deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
What to do instead: Run cool water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Then cover it with a clean, non-stick dressing to protect the area until help arrives. Call for help immediately if the burn is larger than the person’s palm, appears white or charred, is on their face, hands, feet or genitals, or was caused by electricity or chemicals.
Myth 6: Applying Heat to a Sprain
People still apply heat to sprains, thinking warmth will relax muscles and reduce pain. But heat actually increases swelling by boosting blood flow to the injured area, making the injury worse. Similarly, while once a popular practice, it’s been found that ice can also slow recovery by restricting blood flow needed for tissue repair.
What to do instead: Start gentle movement as soon as the pain allows, staying completely still slows recovery. Manage the pain with non-anti-inflammatory medications like paracetamol, and see a physiotherapist.
Myth 7: Put Something in a Seizing Person's Mouth
Some still believe you should restrain a seizing person or put something in their mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue. This can cause choking or injury and is one of the most persistent first aid myths.
What to do instead: Roll the person onto their side to keep their airway open, clear the area around them, and place something soft under their head. Time the seizure and call emergency services if it lasts more than five minutes.
Myth 8: Lying Down During a Heart Attack
People seem to instinctively think lying down will help someone “rest” their heart during a heart attack, reducing the strain on the body. This dangerous first aid myth makes things worse by allowing fluid to build up in the lungs, making breathing harder and increasing the heart’s workload at the worst possible time.
What to do instead: The best practice is to keep the person in a half-seated position with their knees bent and back supported while waiting for help. Loosen any tight clothing and monitor their breathing. Only if they lose consciousness should you place them flat on their back, and even then only to begin CPR.
Stay Up to Date with First Aid Training
These common myths persist because they are memorable, dramatic, or have been passed down through generations. Rejecting first aid myths and learning the right techniques can help you save lives.
Rather than relying on dangerous urban legends, get first aid training with certified professionals. When a medical emergency arises, being prepared with accurate first aid knowledge can mean the difference between life and death. Take a certified first aid course today to ensure you are truly prepared to save lives when it matters most.
FAQs
A basic first aid kit should include sterile bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, instant cold packs, and pain relievers like paracetamol. Include emergency contact numbers and a first aid manual.
Refresh your training every 12 months to stay current with best practices. Proper training ensures you learn first aid techniques that could save lives rather than outdated first aid advice that could worsen the situation.
Call for medical help immediately and perform back blows followed by abdominal thrusts. Popular belief suggests you should encourage them to drink water, but this could worsen the situation by pushing the object deeper.
